RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 09:20
I've used the Braun for years - and also got the wet/dry rechargeable recently. Absolutely love it, it's the best one ever!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 09:04
My son goes from 7:10 - 2:15. When we lived on the far side of town from his school, there was a while when his bus came at 5:40. It was TOTALLY insane!! Now that we live closer to school, he gets picked up at 6:45. It takes a lot of getting used to...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 23:07
Get the Kindle app - it's free. Then there are loads of free books available for the kindle.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 13:34
Thanks all. Feeling relieved... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 13:32
I'm also travelling over eid - to the US with transit at Heathrow. Happy to look for it - would I find it at Boots at Heathrow?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 13:31
Feeling much relieved! Thanks... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 13:30
The iPad sudoku app is EVIL I tell you, EVIL!!! Sucks my time away...:\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 00:21
Another great "getting started" app is one called appstart. Was one of the first apps I bought, and it's an app that just keeps giving!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 22:03
kitsune are you paying attention?!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 09:38
You can have your account via whichever store, regardless of where you buy the kindle. The only difference is the charger, and I have an adapter on my US charger no problem. It's definitely cheaper to buy from the US. This summer I discovered that you can easily switch between the US and UK accounts. I'm usually on the US one, but this summer I found a book that was only available for Kindle on the UK site. I switched my country, got the book, then switched back. I think the only requirement is that you have an address in that country linked to your account. Since I have a shop and ship account I have an address in both, so that was sorted. Now I can benefit from both - it's great. I agree about using the Kindle only for reading. I have an iPad also. I've loaded the kindle app, but when I want to seriously read I always go back to the Kindle. iPad is fun for loads of other things, but don't love it for books.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 22:10
Update for those of you who have been on the edge of your seats waiting to hear what happened to my down pillow search. SUCCESS!! Homes R Us was it - thanks so much for the suggestion Gray Girl. They had a couple of options (Goose down and Duck down) at very decent prices. Looking forward to sinking my head into it tonight... :cool::cool:
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 00:14
Went today as well. Total waste of time! I went to Home Center at Centerpoint a few days ago - no down pillows. Tomorrow Ma'am. I went to Home Center at City Center today - no down pillows. Tomorrow Ma'am. White Company has, but mega crazy expensive. Will still try Homes R Us. But have a feeling I'm going to end up ordering online. Life in Doha...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 21:34
The makeup artist - or salesperson - makes all the difference. I was in Ireland this summer and stopped at Bobbi Brown to pick up I can't remember what. We got to chatting, and when she heard the corrector/concealer shade I was using she almost fainted. Okay well maybe not fainted, but she was shocked at how off it was. Told her the Bobbi Brown woman in Qatar advised me to buy it, she said it was an awful mistake. The difference with the shades she gave me (okay, sold me) is so obvious - in a good way!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 01:09
This should be fine. I have heard - but this was a while ago - that if you are coming on a tourist visa that they (they being immigration I assume) want to see a return ticket - but I have NEVER heard of this being implemented. On a tourist visa they might ask you where you are staying, but you can give the name of any hotel or compound, so that's not a problem. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 19:15
Generally the games are on Fridays, and then 1 practice mid-week. Each team or at least league has its own practice times, and generally the younger leagues get the earlier times. But it could be any day Sun-Wed as far as I recall. I don't think there are generally games on Saturdays at all.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 19:13
Here here!! It's a royal pain in the behind - and why bother having a "remember me" box? Oh and way too many clicks from re-logging in to get back to the thread in the forum that you want to reply to. I am NOT loving the "new and improved" site, although I think the forum is the greatest!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 09:30
I wanted to share this in case there is anyone who might be interested. My son has been playing for the past 4 years. It's well organized and a lot of fun! Registration is this Saturday 24th Sept. from 9am - 1pm by the ASD Middle School Office. This is open to all kids of all nationalities and from all schools. The info below is from their flyer: [i'>[b'>Open to all children aged 4 to 16 years old. No experience required! Boys/girls age brackets per league: T-ball: 4 to 6 years Minors (Coach’s Pitch): 7 to 8 years Majors: 9 to 10 years Juniors: 11 to 13 years Seniors: 14 to 16 years Fast-Pitch Softball (girls only): 10 to 18 years All players require baseball gloves. We’ll have a limited number of gloves for sale at registration… first come, first serve! Price for League play is 500 QR/player, which includes a skills day, weekly practice sessions, 10 - 12 games during the season and a closing ceremony. Players receive team jersey, cap, year-end trophy, team picture and boat loads of fun! League has ~ 30 teams, with approx. 270 players comprised of 20 plus nationalities. Skills Days are September 30th and October 1st. These are not try outs, but fun days for players to practice their skills. It also helps the league create well-balanced teams. Schedule will be sent separately. Season begins Oct. 21st and 22nd and ends on Feb 12th with breaks for Eid and winter holidays. Opportunities for post-season tournament play as well. [/b'>[/i'>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 23:33
Grrr. Went to Home Center tonight (@ Centerpoint) to be told "Yes ma'am, we have down pillows. We don't have any [i'>[b'>right now[/b'>[/i'> - new stock maybe tomorrow." Knowing what tomorrow is likely to mean, I think I'll give Homes R Us a try... Thanks btw for all the suggestions. <em>edited by RachelA on 18/09/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 13:13
I think the Landmark and Duhail areas are your best bet. Relatively easy commutes in both directions (to Sherborne and to West Bay) from there. Not too many big compounds other than Riviera I don't think, but lots of small ones. Don't have any names other than Jeliah (and I see from the other thread that its already on your radar). Hope this helps - probably not much!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 08:18
Thanks! I completely forgot about Home Center (duh!) and will check out the other shops as well.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 22:34
There are a lot of small phone shops along Merqab street, and also in the phone souq near Grand Hamad street. You are likely to be able to find a blackberry charger (used or new) at these. Also I think Starlink sells them. In case you don't find a used one to buy from someone.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 20:22
I have NO idea, but it might be worth checking at Shoprite (on Airport Road - similar to Megamart but they often have different products) or Spinneys in The Mall. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 12:57
The shop is the Mall in near the Spinney's entrance. Haven't ever really looked at the paraphernalia, but they have really cute Sesame Street cupcakes (cookie monster and elmo) that my 14 year old DS loves (although he'd never admit it in public!!). <em>edited by RachelA on 16/09/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 21:53
Oh well. Good thing my expectations weren't high... Thanks for the feedback NZJen. Won't be going out of my way to get there I suppose... :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 19:02
Anyone been? Heard anything? I've noticed it a few times - it's on the C Ring more or less across from Blue Salon. I looked on Dining in Doha but there wasn't much info (a few stars, but no actual review). Apparently it's an American Diner, and I'm dreaming that it might actually be just that. Expecting to be disappointed, but hoping to be pleasantly surprised! Anyone?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 18:58
When I referred to Ric's as dangerous, I was, for once, not referring to the driving/traffic situation. I meant the food. It's as close to greasy American diner food as you'll get anywhere here. Delish yes, but healthy absolutely not. Hence dangerous, at least to those of us who have low resistance to such grub! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 17:36
Well if you are intent on avoiding Ric's (it can be a dangerou place!!) I am pretty sure there is also a branch of Sana in City Center. Or at least there used to be. I try to avoid City Center more than I try to avoid Ric's (albeit for VERY different reasons).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 15:29
Thanks kimcc2! I've actually looked at their site before but forgot about it this time around. Will give them a ring.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 21:40
Your best bet will be Jarir - either on Salwa Road (just beyond the Ramada signal in the direction toward KSA) or the branch on Rayaan Rd, next to Family Food Center.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 15:12
I think the site might be down. - hopefully temporarily. I get emails when the packages reach the US or UK mailbox, and the again when it arrives in Doha. On their website - at least when its working - you can track it's journey between the two.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 17:34
Well there are 2 stages to the process. The first is to get permission from the Ministry of Labor to hire a maid of a particluar nationality. The 2nd is the actual sponsorship process with Immigration. I know this change all the time so my experience may not be all that relevant - but I know for a fact that when we sponsored our first maid here in Qatar we had only been here for about 2 or 3 months. In fact, we did it within a few weeks of my getting my RP (I'm the family sponsor, and I sponsored the maid).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 17:30
I got one for my birthday a couple of months ago - I'm pretty sure the friend who bought it got it at Tavola. She's away so I can't ask her, but I'm pretty sure...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 00:41
JoyceB I was living in Egypt at the time, and I agree. I am American and I never once felt in any danger. In fact the outpouring of support and compassion was overwhelming. I learned in the days and weeks that followed of quite a few people I knew who worked in the towers. Some were there and did not make it out. Others were miraculously away from their offices that morning. Whether or not we agree with the US response, there is no question that this was a devastating and unthinkable loss that forever changed thousands of lives. This is the time to honor the memory of all who were killed on 9/11.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 00:17
I'm far from an expert, but I've tried and loved: Thai Snack Thai-Chi (in Villagio) Mango Tree (on The Pearl) Those are listed in order of price, low to hi. All terribly yummy!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 22:19
I think Toys r Us used to carry them - but it's been a while since I've been there so can't say for sure.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 15:21
Not the reply you are hoping for Phokoje, but my son is in Year 10 and I STILL struggle with what to put in his lunch. His school also has a nut-free policy, and my imagination seems to stall once peanut butter is taken out of the equation! When he was younger I would do jam sandwhiches or cheese sandwhiches, baby carrots, cucumbers (no dip EVER) and sometimes a bag of potato chips. Now he's not interested in any of the above. Most days he just eats when he gets home.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 15:18
Just to update, in case anyone is interested. If the care is fully insured (ie not just 3rd party) then it has to be insured in the new owner's name PRIOR to actually changing the car registration. The policy in question was with QIC, and it took QR 50 and 15 minutes to transfer the remainder of the policy to my name. Only then would the Traffic Dept. process the change of ownership. Oh and FYI both the old and new owner must be present in order transfer the car registration.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 23:57
There's a big difference between expecting long-term stability (ie teachers staying at one school for many years) and expecting teachers to fulfill a one or two year contract and not leave mid-year. No, we don't know the OPs specific situation, but she has told us that she is back to begin the 2nd year of her post and is intending to leave mid-year. She asked if this was frowned upon here, and while some parents seem to think it's just the way of life here, most would see it as a negative - as would the schools.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 23:25
It is extremely unfair to the kids AND to the school, unless this has all been arranged in advance and the school knows it will need to have a replacement in for 2nd term. It is certainly done in international schools, but that doesn't mean it's acceptable - or that it's right. In many school this is a breach of contract, so the teacher will forfeit any benefits (such as end of service). It's one thing if there's an emergency and a teacher has to leave at the last minute. But to plan to leave mid-year before the school year actually begins seems wrong - unless this is all arranged in advance with the school. Is it really perfectly normal for teachers in the UK to leave mid-year? It was my understanding that most schools require a full term's notice. When I've been in a position to hire teachers in the past, the teachers from the UK all needed to inform their current schools by the start of term 3 if they would/would not be returning the following year.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 22:38
We went to the same place for my son's last passport photos, and they followed the specs (for US passports) precisely. I think if you bring a printout of the requirements you can be very sure that they'll do it right.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 19:47
Might be too late for you Maple, but I'd say in this case bigger IS better. Mine is the 64, and I keep it close to full. Mostly with music, and quite a few apps and more than a few movies. I don't need them on there all the time, but my new thing is that when I'm traveling I try to leave my macbook at home and just use my iPad, so in that case I like to have as big a music/movie collection as I can.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 21:49
Think the drivers connected with hotels will charge lots. Maybe try Fox Limo - they do day-rates. Also Karwa, the national taxi advice, do private cars w drivers.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 21:43
Not sure, as she referred to saving on visa fees and therefore the e-gate paying for itself. No matter - as far asim concerned it was money very well spent!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 21:22
I'm typing this reply on my iPad, which was a gift from my brother. I agree, bothers are sooo nice! In general accessories are more plentiful and less expensive in the US. I'm assuming "home" is Canada, and that it's similar there for accessories. I would suggest a cover/case if you dont already have one. I have a Bluetooth keyboard which i love for longer typing sessions. I have a US iTunes account but no US credit card so I tend to buy iTunes gift cards when I'm home. They sell them here but at at huge markup. Last time I flew back from the US I treated myself to a few movies on iTunes before I flew and then watched them dung the flight. And in that case make sure you have headphones. Have fun with it. I love mine!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 17:02
Since you referred to your partner (rather than husband) it might be worth mentioning that he won't be able to sponsor you unless you are married, and it's actually illegal to live together too. That's assuming that he will be working and you'll be needing sponsorship. I'm only saying this so that you know the situation here as it's quite different from most of our home countries. Other than that I think JillMV had some great suggestions. And keep in mind that if you are coming soon the weather is a bit gross, but it can be glorious in the winter months!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 10:32
Safiya Dafiya why would there be visa charges for someone who already has an RP? I thought the QR 100 was for tourist visa on arrival?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 13:01
For what it's worth Phokoje, whenever I have a question at Virgin and the sales staff seem clueless, I ask to speak to the manager. He or she ALWAYS seems to know what I'm talking about.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 23:31
Thanks for confirming that I'm not crazy GinaM! I was sure I'd heard it was opening in early 2011...:\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 23:19
Well we didn't make it there tonight, but I am SOOO going tomorrow night. Did they really start at 8:30?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 15:40
No doubt you are only trying to be helpful, but as employing part time help other than through a licensed agency is illegal (for both the employer and employee) you might want to think twice about posting that you've done this on a public forum.
 
 
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